Beer comes in at least one hundred different styles. Some types of beer are historical and go back to the Middle Ages; others were created just a few years ago. There’s a beer style to satisfy every palate.

Of course, with so many beer varieties out there, it’s hard to know where to start your beer appreciation journey. Here are the five most popular beer styles explained. See if you’ve tried them all. These five beer styles are a must-try for every beer lover.

1. Lagers

Most beers in the market are lagers. These are commercially produced in large factories owned by international corporations. Producers make lagers with a special bottom-fermenting yeast that produces crisp, dry beer that’s easy to drink, although not particularly interesting.

And although every craft beer is more interesting than a mass-produced lager, this is still the most popular beer style in the world. Having said that, lagers are enjoyable, and the best ones are indeed something special. If you’re into nonaromatic, refreshing beer, lagers are for you.

Beer to try: Coors Light, Budweiser, Corona, Dos Equis, Heineken.

2. Stouts and Porters

Stouts and Porters are easy to spot for their dark, often opaque color. There are many Porter and Stout subcategories, which we’re not covering today. Just know that not all stouts or porters are created equal.

All dark beers in this category share a few traits. For starters, they’re made with heavily roasted malts, which give the beer its dark color. These beers also have a persistent, frothy head. Expect caramel, chocolate, roasted coffee beans and malt on the nose.

Beer to try: Sierra Nevada Stout, Anchor Porter, Bell’s Porter.

3. Wheat Beer

Wheat beer has fans worldwide, and it’s because by adding wheat to the bill grain, brewers can create creamy, rich and often luscious beers in a variety of styles.

German Weissbier and Hefeweizen beers, Belgium’s Witbier and American wheat beers are always generous and smooth. Some, but not all, are cloudy, and a few are infused with coriander seeds and orange peels. Most wheat beers are still based on malted barley, but the wheat really changes their personality for good.

Beer to try: Goose Island 312, Hoegaarden White, Hofbräuhaus Münchner Weisse.

4. IPAs

Also known as India Pale Ales, these beers are the hoppiest, most bitter and most aromatic beers in the world. Brewers purposely use copious amounts of hops to give these beers their bold personality. There are many types of IPA, but they’re all hoppy.

To make these beers, producers use a dry-hopping technique to infuse the beer with New World hops and bless them with the most exciting aromas of pine resin, fresh-cut grass and tropical fruit.

Beer to try: Fat Heads Head Hunter IPA, Cigar City Tocobaga Red IPA, Russian River Blind Pig IPA.

5. Pale Ales

Pale ales are the craft beer’s answer to commercial lagers. Uncomplicated pale beers with a refreshing palate and the loveliest balance between hop and malt scents.

These beers are dry and crisp, but they offer a medium-body and a lengthy aftertaste; their carbonation is also extremely attractive because they are often designed to be easy to drink. Don’t expect exotic flavors and aromas, but a comforting profile that invites you to take another sip.

Beer to try: Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Half Acre Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, Great Lakes Burning River.